Hyundai Staria Multicab Review

There is, perhaps, nothing quite as devastating for a family as discovering a young child has gone missing. The realisation comes as a hammer blow of shock, panic and a sense of hopelessness.

It was a gorgeous South Coast summer’s day and I joined some friends with their four young children for a picnic. The Staria Multicab was loaded with all the accoutrements of a fun day out plus bicycles for the kids, a pram for the youngest, the braai (most important), blankets, bags et al.

We had driven close to an idyllic spot that offered sunshine for those wanting to soak it up and the welcome shade of a large tree when it became too much. The Staria was dutifully unloaded and the picnic area set up to perfection – which is when the head count came up short.

Calling out loudly the adults split up to search the immediate area, which produced no result for a few agonising minutes.

More loud calling and then relief as a sleepy-eyed youngster poked his head out of the rear of the still open Staria.

Unseen by any of us he had taken his blanket back to the now empty Staria and made a bed for himself on the floor – maybe something Hyundai never envisaged in the planning process, but perhaps illustrates the size of the Staria’s interior!

The Hyundai Staria Multicab is an extremely versatile vehicle for both business and leisure purposes and, although not the first of its kind – read Mercedes-Benz Vito – the execution has been carefully thought out to provide the maximum load space along with comfortable passenger space within a cabin infused with latest gen tech.

The Staria is driven through its front wheels by a 2,2-litre VGT turbo-diesel engine, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 130 kW maximum power at 3 800 r/min and its torque output peaks at 430 Nm from 1 500 r/min.

The rated combined cycle fuel consumption is 8,7 l/100 km, which I found mildly conservative achieving 8,4 l/100 km in my test cycle that included the vehicle being empty and fully loaded and driven on the usual mix of city, urban and freeway.

Hyundai claims a top speed of 185 km/h for the Multicab but I never came close to that – this being much more of a genteel eat up the kilometres type of transport. The suitable low-down grunt from the diesel mill ensures a steady cruise can be maintained irrespective of hills and valleys.

Sitting atop a Macpherson strut type front suspension and leaf spring rear setup on a rigid rear axle, the Multicab strives for the best ride quality with and without a load. While not as gentle as its passenger-only counterpart, there is barely a flutter from the rear end when unladen and, for the most part, it diligently irons out road ripples for a smooth transition from start to finish.

Even under the influence of side winds, the Multicab holds firm. In fact, considering it size (wheelbase 3 273 mm, overall length 5 253 mm and width 1 997 mm) it handles better than one might expect, remaining firmly planted on the road through sweeps and curves.

Hyundai Motor optimised the engine and transmission to achieve low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels and a better shift sensation for high torque performance and improved acceleration. It also optimised the direct valve control body for increased hydraulic efficiency, the oil pump for fuel efficiency, and the gearbox’s multi-plate torque converter for control and fuel efficiency.

Fitted as standard with anti-lock braking with EBD and ESP that go a long to ensuring its stability in all circumstances, it still comes down to the 17-inch disc brakes to bring the Multicab to a safe and quick stop when required.

And, it does.

It offers six crash bags and all seats come with three-point seat belts and headrests. Safety is further bolstered by smart features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The Staria interior applies a simple and modest layout and the vehicle’s low beltline and panoramic windows create a spacious environment for the driver and passengers.

The driver looks onto an 8-inch front display screen, touch-based centre fascia and a shift lever for the Multicab version. The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard, providing an unobstructed view for the driver.

Hyundai’s smart infotainment system with an 8-inch touch-screen display is fitted to all derivatives and is equipped with a wide-angle camera rear park assist camera, aided by park warning sensors in both front and rear bumpers. 

The infotainment system, standard in all versions, links wirelessly via Bluetooth to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Other standard luxury and convenience features include an air-conditioner with automatic climate control, cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel with remote control buttons for the infotainment centre and the cruise control, fold-away mirrors, a wireless cell phone charging pad, USB charging points for front seat occupants; and roof storage trays above the driver and front passenger.

The Staria Multicab has a payload of 1 074 kg and can tow a trailer, with brakes, weighing 2 500 kg, or a 750 kg unbraked trailer. The Multicab’s cargo area has a volume capacity of 2 890 litres.

Business or pleasure – the Staria Multicab is the best of both worlds.

Hyundai Staria Pricing: